The term "ill-established" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept can be understood through various scriptural principles and narratives that highlight the importance of a firm foundation, both spiritually and morally. In the biblical context, something that is ill-established lacks a solid foundation, leading to instability and potential downfall.

Biblical Foundations and Stability

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus uses the parable of the wise and foolish builders to illustrate this principle: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse" (Matthew 7:24-27). Here, the "ill-established" house is the one built on sand, symbolizing a life or endeavor not grounded in the teachings of Christ.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

An ill-established life or community often results from neglecting God's commandments and principles. The Old Testament provides numerous examples of Israel's struggles when they turned away from God. In Judges, the cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance illustrates the consequences of being ill-established in faith and practice. "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). This lack of a firm spiritual and moral foundation led to chaos and instability.

Warnings Against False Teachings

The New Testament warns against false teachings and doctrines that can lead believers astray, resulting in an ill-established faith. Paul cautions Timothy, "For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires" (2 Timothy 4:3). Such teachings can erode the foundation of truth, leaving individuals and communities vulnerable to spiritual deception.

The Role of Wisdom and Understanding

Proverbs underscores the necessity of wisdom and understanding in establishing a firm foundation: "By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established" (Proverbs 24:3). Wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord, provides the stability needed to avoid being ill-established. The pursuit of godly wisdom ensures that one's life is built on principles that endure.

The Church as a Firm Foundation

The Church, described as the "pillar and foundation of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15), serves as a collective body that should be well-established in doctrine and practice. When the Church adheres to the teachings of Christ and the apostles, it stands firm against the challenges and deceptions of the world. Conversely, when it deviates from these truths, it risks becoming ill-established, leading to division and ineffectiveness in its mission.

In summary, while the term "ill-established" is not explicitly used in Scripture, the Bible provides ample guidance on the importance of building one's life, community, and faith on a solid foundation rooted in God's truth and wisdom.Ill-established (1 Occurrence)

2 Peter 3:16
as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; among which some things are hard to be understood, which the untaught and ill-established wrest, as also the other scriptures, to their own destruction.
(DBY)

Ill-established (1 Occurrence)
Ill-established. Illegitimate, Ill-established. Illfavored .
Multi-Version Concordance Ill-established (1 Occurrence). ...
/i/ill-established.htm - 6k

Untaught (1 Occurrence)
... also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; among which some things
are hard to be understood, which the untaught and ill-established wrest, as ...
/u/untaught.htm - 6k

Illegitimate (4 Occurrences)

/i/illegitimate.htm - 8k

Illfavored

/i/illfavored.htm - 6k

Medical marijuana - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org

Is it acceptable to have communion outside of the church? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about women leaders in government? Should a woman be President? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus